Steve Jobs doll cancelled – manufacturers under pressure

The makers of a Steve Jobs action doll have removed the toy from shelves after a legal complaint from Apple and Jobs’ family.

The Hong Kong toy manufacturer posted a note on its website saying it would stop producing the 12-inch doll “after immense pressure from the lawyers of Apple and Steve Jobs family”.

Apple lawyers wrote a letter to the manufacturer earlier this month saying that any toy bearing the company’s logo or person’s name, or bearing likeness to any of its products would be a criminal offence.

The toy manufacturer, called In Icons, made a statement saying: “Though we still believe that we have not overstepped any legal boundaries, we have decided to completely stop the offer, production and sale of the Steve Jobs figurine out of our heartfelt sensitivity to the feelings of the Jobs family.

“We understand that this decision will cause many of the fans disappointment, but please forgive us as there is no other alternative unless to have the blessing from Steve Jobs family,”

It added: “The original intention for creating the figurine was driven by a fan’s admiration of Steve.”

The figurine had rimless glasses, blue jeans, sneakers and a black rollneck sweater, and was on sale for $99 on the company’s website.

Customers who had pre-ordered the doll were promised refunds.

In the past the company has taken legal action against other models of the iconic Apple co-founder – one featuring him as a ninja.

Jobs died on October 5 following complications from pancreatic cancer.